Finding a job is very similar to dating some things are attractive, and some things are turnoffs.
Job searching is very much like dating: each party sizes the other one up for a good fit. You are checking out the employer to see if they have what it takes to make you happy and they are evaluating in return, whether you are going to be a productive and successful team member.
However, much like dating, there are little things that you could be doing or saying that could be an instant turn-off.
Here are seven ways you may be scaring off the interviewer :
1. YOUR RESUME OR SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES ARE UNFOCUSED
It is great that you can multitask like a beast, have loads of hobbies and an endless list of qualifications. However, it is vital that your resume and LinkedIn profile shares the same narrative when you are applying for a job. It needs to convey unanimously that you are the perfect fit for the position that you are applying for. This is why some experts recommend that you tailor your resume to the specific role that you are applying for, as opposed to being a catch-all document for all the jobs you’ve done in your life to date. Similarly, your LinkedIn profile should mirror your resume and expand upon some of the details including projects you’ve worked on, awards you have been nominated for, etc. Recruiters, on average, take six to seven seconds to read a resume. If yours is a mash-up of your greatest hits, they won’t know what to take away from it. In the end, an unfocused resume may be the reason why recruiters aren’t calling you back. Also be very mindful what is on your Facebook or Instagram, as these are often a quick reference point and the difference of going further with your screening or dropping it like a hot scone!
2. SENDING OUT TOO MANY APPLICATIONS TO ONE COMPANY
While you may be super passionate to work for a particular company, resist the urge to apply to every open role that you might qualify for. Seeing your name and application pop up for five or six job listings sends a clear message to recruiters: “He doesn’t really know what he wants,” or “She is indecisive.” If there are a handful of roles that, initially, you think you’d be a good fit for, print our the job descriptions and really read them. Compare them with one another. Notice the differences, and then start prioritizing which ones are a better fit given your skills, experience, and education. Don’t be an inbox stalker. Keep it strictly to one or two roles that you feel strongly about, and apply to those.
3. MULTIPLE CALLS, EMAILS OR FOLLOW-UPS
You know the scenario: You’ve applied to a position. You’re feeling good but then . . . nothing. Silence. A couple of weeks go by and you haven’t heard back from a recruiter. If you find yourself in a flat panic with no more options, it’s okay to follow up with one professional email. However, if you have emailed twice, called three times, and left a Facebook message for the recruiter, you’ve gone too far. You are scaring them – think bunny boiler stalking style from Fatal Attraction. Begging for a response doesn’t make you look desperate (just like dating) and not like the consummate professional and informed candidate that a company would want to hire. It’s safe to say that if you haven’t heard from an employer after three weeks and a follow-up email, you should move on. They are not that into you.
4. REPEATEDLY RESCHEDULING INTERVIEWS, CALLS AND MEETINGS
Recruiters get it, our lives are busy and calendar conflicts arise. However, if you’ve rescheduled a phone interview, in-person interview and a follow-up call, be cautious about continuing to reschedule. Most recruiters are juggling multiple requisitions and dozens of applicants. You’re making their job harder by constantly rescheduling, and what’s worse is that you’re giving yourself a bad reputation. Be punctual and reliable and don’t over commit on your time.
5. INCORRECT AND INCOMPLETE INFORMATION
In the same vein, you may be scaring off recruiters with your incomplete application or incorrect information. As an ideal candidate, you should not only be well-researched and informed, but you should also make a recruiter’s job easier by giving them the right information. Provide full disclosure and complete references, a fully filled out application, easily accessible portfolio, or work samples. Ideally, you want to make a recruiter’s interactions with you as pleasant and as seamless as possible, so that hiring you is an even bigger delight.
6. BADMOUTHING FORMER EMPLOYERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Airing a former employer’s dirty laundry or badmouthing former colleagues is one of the quickest ways to scare off potential employers. After all, who wants to hire someone who has a track record of bashing? When critiquing former employers or colleagues on social media, or even when you leave a review online, always be fair and professional. Whether your name is attached to it or not, it’s important that recruiters see that no matter what may have transpired between you and a previous employer, you still know how to handle yourself with grace and class.